Welcome to Ms. Gersdorf's Website!

I love teaching Social Studies because it allows the students and me to time travel around the world.  To me, critical thinking is one of the most important skills and I stress this heavily in the classroom by asking the students questions that make them think.  Students should never expect to get an answer immediately from me...they should expect me to re-phrase the question so that they can answer it on their own, because the truth is...students have many of the answers in their heads already...its my job to teach them how to find those answers.

Feel free to contact me anytime with questions, concerns, comments, etc.

gersdoti@champaignschools.org     |    217.351.3791

☼ CLASSROOM NEWS...

~  WE HAVE A STUDENT TEACHER!!!  His name is Mr. Livas and he will be with us until March 7th.  You should have gotten a letter from your child with more information about Mr. Livas on February 4th.  We are excited to have him with us because he is friendly and smart and has already become part of our classroom community. 

***CHECK OUT THE NEW 'QUICK LINK' - "THIS WEEK" - this link will bring you to a page laying out what will happen in class for the week as well as any homework!! (THIS WILL BE BACK AROUND MARCH 10TH)

☼ MY EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND...

I began my college career at Parkland Community College.  In 2004, I graduated from Illinois State University as 'Magna Cum Laude'.  I majored in Social Science Education and was endorsed to teach middle school.  Currently, I am working on my Master's Degree through the Global Studies in Education program at the University of Illinois .  Also, I am working with a Teaching American History grant with the Urbana School District.  I have learned much about critical thinking strategies, using primary sources, and teaching students to think like historians through my involvement with this grant. 

This is my third year teaching in the Champaign school district.  I taught for one year at Columbia Center and this is my second year at Jefferson Middle School.☻                                                                                      

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☼ THE YEAR AT A GLANCE...

This year, the Orca's Ancient World History classes are testing out some possible new textbooks.  The curriculum has changed a bit from past years, but most importantly, the books are different.  We are testing a set of Prentice Hall books that come with a lot of technology support.  I am learning along the way and will inform everyone of important information as I learn it.  The coolest part is that we have an LCD projector for things like Power Point presentations, classroom on-line access, films, and much more! 

What you might notice from this is that our curriculum is different than what you will find on the Champaign School District website.  Also, students will not be taking home textbooks (unless they were absent and need to check on out) because we only have a class set this year.

Students will do most of their work in the classroom...however, when homework is assigned, it should be taken seriously. 

Every day, students are to answer a journal question when they enter the room.  These journal questions are worth 5 points per day and they add up quickly...this is important to keep up on!

Every quarter, students are assigned a Current Events project.  Due dates vary, but are always on Fridays.  These projects are a major grade and worth 50 - 100 points...keep in touch with your child to find out when theirs is due and what is expected.                                   

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☼ STATE STANDARDS...

You can click here to go the the Illinois State Learning Standards through the ISBE website.

☼PARENT/GUARDIAN INVOLVEMENT...

The most important support a child can receive is from her/his family.  You can make the biggest difference in your child's educational experience!  Here are some suggestions to help involve you in your child's education:

• ask them how their day REALLY was

• ask them what their homework is

• look through their backpack

• check assignment notebook

• keep up on grades by checking online or contacting teachers

• contact teachers

• attend school events

•  volunteer within the school

• REALLY ask them how their day was

You may contact me or any other teacher at any time with questions, concerns, comments etc...we are here to support you as well as the students.

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